Home > Equality Now welcomes intensification of global efforts to eliminate FGM

Equality Now welcomes intensification of global efforts to eliminate FGM

Equality Now commends the 26 November 2012 adoption of a resolution (Res L21 revision 1[1]) on female genital mutilation (FGM) by the UN General Assembly’s human rights committee. Led by African countries and adopted by consensus, the resolution calls upon States to implement laws eliminating FGM among several other recommendations. This represents the first time the General Assembly has agreed to include the elimination of FGM on its agenda.

With grassroots partners around the world, Equality Now has been campaigning for 20 years for the enactment and effective implementation of legislation to eradicate FGM. In 2005, a significant milestone was achieved when the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa[2], drafted with assistance from the Equality Now LAW project, came into force as the first African human rights instrument calling for the prohibition of FGM. The political and moral weight embodied in the UN General Assembly represents a vital addition to the global effort to end this human rights violation. Backed by 110 sponsors, the endorsement of the resolution by the General Assembly Plenary in December is almost certain.